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Thursday, June 23, 2016

#ThursdayThoughts: Guest post by Fred R. Eichelman & a #Giveaway!

Good Morning!

It is always a pleasure to open this feature with some thoughts from a New-to-Me author and today's guest is just that!

Carolyn Eichelman, is the photographer ©2015
Dr. Fred Eichelman is a retired Virginia public school teacher whose career spanned four decades. He is a graduate of Bridgewater College, with a Master of Education degree from the University of Virginia and a Doctor of Social Studies Education degree awarded by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Eichelman is the author of three history and government textbooks and a science fiction novel, Valerie in Giantland. He has written for several print magazines and has served as a book and film reviewer. He is on the board of directors for Point North † Outreach Ministries and editor of its publication, Point NorthTidings.

Connect with Fred on Facebook!


Now let's see what Fred has for us to think about.....

Recently we heard a pastor challenge his congregation with a question. “What is it to have a mission as a Christian?” He went on to mention that the term is used rather loosely; even a fast-food place will say they have a mission to serve the best burgers. It got us to thinking that while we do think we have a mission in life, what does that really mean? It is supposed to represent our vision, but that vision should be aligned with God's Vision for it to be valid.

We may think our mission should be family. Or to be outstanding in our life's work. It may mean being a good friend. It can also involve what we do for our church. All these are noble goals, but are they our real mission in life?

If our vision is to be God's, it must stress God's Word and evangelism. What we do and what we say should be a witness to our faith. When there is an opportunity to witness our faith by action or word, do we take advantage of the opportunity?

We have a great deal left to do in understanding and sharing God's Vision. That mission was given us by Jesus Christ in The Great Commission.

-Fred R. Eichelman, Ed.D.


Thanks Fred, definitely something to consider.

Frank's latest project is Faith, Family, Film: A Teacher's Trek


Discover a hidden, heartwarming side of Hollywood and politics you never knew existed.

Faith, Family, Film: A Teacher’s Trek describes the worlds of entertainment, literature, and politics as experienced by the author during his lifetime. Dr. Eichelman reveals how films and television programs influenced his growing up, his teaching career, and his Christian ministry by reflecting upon the beautiful souls who throughout their storied careers have touched numerous lives, not just his own. His anecdotes feature such personalities as John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Elizabeth Taylor, Jimmy Stewart, Rhonda Fleming, Ronald Reagan, Andy Griffith, several Star Trek cast members, and many more celebrities well into the twenty-first century. The introduction by actress, producer, and motivational speaker Nancy Stafford promises that Dr. Eichelman will take you “where no man has gone before,” a promise that he delivers upon in charming, “come in and set a spell” Southern storyteller fashion.

BUY & TBR LINKS 

NOTE – The Kindle Edition Will Be Free Worldwide During This Tour


EXCERPT 
One night there was a late phone call from Doc Jones. “Al, Ann, I need a favor. I am taking care of too many sick animals right now, and I have a man here with a pair of dogs he brought from Germany. Rex and Regina. Never seen anything like them. Regina is about to deliver; could you two come over here?”

Of course my parents agreed.

To their surprise they found the dog owner to be Pulitzer Prize–winning author Louis Bromfield. His home was originally in Mansfield, Ohio, but he also had a home in Hollywood, California, and until recently one in Paris, where he had lived a few years. My parents were very familiar with Bromfield, as his books were widely read, and two were made into successful films, The Rains Came and Mrs. Parkington. Bromfield had recently been in Germany and had seen a new breed, Boxers. Boxers were the result of the interbreeding of Bullmastiffs and English Bulldogs and were considered perfect working dogs.

At that time Adolph Hitler was taking control of the German government, and Bromfield knew that if he didn’t bring these dogs to America quickly, he might not get another opportunity.

Al and Ann were happy to help out, and Louis Bromfield was especially pleased that my mother had read several of his books and was a fan. It was a perfect delivery of puppies and he thanked them profusely. Then Bromfield said, “Take your pick of the puppies.” Surprised as they were, they did not hesitate, and four weeks later a female puppy was delivered to their home. 

GIVEAWAY PRIZES     
US ONLY: 1 autographed copy of Faith, Family, Film
INTERNATIONAL: 5 digital autographed photographs of one or more celebrities (5 winners)

Hope you enjoyed today's thoughts and good luck if you enter the Rafflecopter giveaway
and I hope to see you Saturday for our Spotlight on Karen McCoullough. Remember to check out Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight each week!

Until next time, take care and God Bless!
PamT

12 comments:

Marissa Garner said...

Thanks, Pam, for introducing us to this very interesting man. Enjoyed the post.

Tanya Hanson said...

Thanks indeed! I always enjoy meeting new authors and a fellow teacher, too. Best wishes, Fred.

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a very interesting read. Having grown up in Southern California, I had no idea that a heartwarming side of the business existed. Best of luck!

marilyn leach said...

Thank you, Dr., for sharing your vision of "mission". It's a good reminder of faith. I hope your book does well. Cheers

M.J. Schiller, Romance Author said...

You really made me thing about how I am living my mission. It sounds like you've led a very interesting life and I can't wait to read more of it. Thanks for sharing this, Pam! Best wishes in all you do, Dr. Eichelman!

Nightingale said...

You always have such interesting guests. This one is, by no means, an exception! Enjoyed the post.

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

Thanks Everyone for stopping by.

I hope Dr. Eichleman gets a chance to drop in and address your comments, but if not, please know I APPRECIATE you ALL more than words can express.

PamT

Leah St. James said...

What a cool story! I'll bet your parents enjoyed telling that one. (I would!) I often wonder exactly what it means (in the context of my life) to have a mission as a Christian. I think it means, at least in part, to try to act as God's/Christ's hands, arms and voice in our everyday lives. I try, but I often fall short. Exmaple: In my day job when a cranky customer calls and reams me out for something I can't control, it's so hard to think of that person as a child of God, that he or she might be having a really bad day (aside from the purpose for the call). Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I don't. Thanks for the great question.

Elizabeth Alsobrooks said...

What a fascinating story! Just looking at the photo of your office, one can see the journey your life has taken. Good luck with your future adventures. And thanks for hosting, Pam!

Kim Iverson Headlee said...

Thanks so much, Pam and everyone, for welcoming Fred on your blog! I will be sure to let him know that he has some "work" to do here. :)
Best wishes,
Kim Headlee, publisher
Pendragon Cove Press
Stories make us greater.

Alicia Dean said...

Enjoyed the post...and your excerpt is so engaging! Best wishes.

Unknown said...

Thank you so very much for being part of this blast. Love visiting your blog - Tonya @ My Family's Heart